Whatever!
by Eric Hoppstock
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
As a referee on the field for Upward Soccer I get the best seat in the house and enjoy interaction with the players. In a game this past fall a particular young player had one breakaway after another only to miss the shot right in front of the goal. The crowd would cheer wildly only to be followed by the sigh of disappointment as the goal was missed. What brought a smile to my face was after one of the missed goals I said, “Oh so close,” to which this young player replied, “Whatever, I’ll make it next time!” This young person had it figured out; the joy was in the playing of the game and in trying time after time regardless of the outcome. He didn’t let the outcome of each shot or goal deter his effort and enthusiasm.
To get better in the game of soccer means playing the game, learning new skills, and, by practice, making those new skills habits. I think Paul would agree that the Christian experience is about pressing on toward becoming what we already are in Christ—to live up to the potential Christ already sees in us. What a thought! By the way, he scored on his final attempt.
Prayer: God, help me to understand that You are cheering for my effort and have great enthusiasm for me regardless of the outcome.
Awesome perspective to have. Thanks for that Eric. It is something I need to remind myself of everyday, some days are easier than others.
ReplyDeleteThis entry also reminded me of one of my favorite verses- James 1:2-4- Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Thanks, Eric. This is what I needed to hear today. Just this week I had a situtation that did not have the outcome I wanted. Your entry has encouraged me to enjoy the process of trying again, knowing that God sees the potential I have to succeed at this task.
ReplyDeleteToday I will stop, triangulate my situtation and start again with the confidence to "forget what is behind me and strain for what is ahead."
Eric:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to keep on, keeping on.
I have to admit, sometimes I get so tired, but I think that, now-and-then, everyone does.
I have been trying to learn new behaviors, ones that encourage me to be nicer to myself. It has been a huge challenge for me, but your story encourages me. If a small child can maintain such a wonderful positive attitude, and continue to succeed, then I should be able to continue on and do so also.
Thanks for sharing, it has truly spoken to me.
What is failure? Is it missing the shot 10 times? No, it would be NOT taking the 11th shot!
ReplyDeleteGod help me to recognize those things that are difficult and hard that require perseverance. Show me the end, that the made goal is worth the work "wasted" on the ones missed.
I love this - it is the perfect picture of the Christian life! We don't have to be concerned about the outcome, because the outcome is ultimately victory! Even the "misses" count in the stats and make us who we are. The joy is truly in the journey, the learning and growing, the living out of Christ in us! Goal!
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